Both Stanford University and UC Berkeley are prestigious institutions with strong academics and research opportunities. Stanford boasts a lower acceptance rate and a larger endowment, while UC Berkeley offers a broader range of programs and a higher job placement rate. The choice depends on individual priorities such as program specificity, cost, and desired campus environment.
| Attribute | Stanford University | University of California, Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 4% (3.6% for Class of 2027) | 12% |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,484 (2023-2024). Total cost of attendance: ~$87,833 per year. Graduate: $59,499 (2023-2024) | In-state: $16,347, Out-of-state: $50,547 (2024-2025) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 6:1 (some sources state 5:1) | 19:1 |
| Research Output | Major research university with 18 interdisciplinary research institutes. $6.03 million allocated for grant programs (2018-2019) | R1 Doctoral University, >$1 billion in federal funding (2021) |
| Endowment Size | $37.6 billion (August 31, 2024) | $2.9 billion (Berkeley only) or $4.5 billion (Regents portion) in FY2023. Another source mentions a $6.95 billion endowment. |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | 66 fields of undergraduate study | 163 majors, approximately 400 degree programs |
| Number of Graduate Programs | Four undergraduate and graduate schools, and three purely graduate schools | Comprehensive |
| Campus Size | 8,180 acres (12.8 sq mi) | Core: 178 acres, Total: 8,164 acres |
| Location (Urban/Rural) | San Francisco Peninsula (Silicon Valley), near San Francisco and San Jose | Urban-suburban |
| Student Diversity | Undergraduates (Fall 2024): 38% CA, 52% women. 24.8% White, 21.7% Asian, 12.8% Hispanic/Latino, 6.72% Two or More Races, 5.76% Black/African American | 30.8% Asian, 22% White, 18.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.71% Two or More Races, 2.52% Black or African American (2023) |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 95% within four years, 97% within six years. 96% overall | 94% |
| Job Placement Rate | 88% for MBA graduates. Above 90% consistently over the years. | 98.7% |
| Pros | High graduation rate, High job placement rate, Diverse student body, Large campus, Significant research output, Many opportunities for undergraduate research, Accessible and helpful professors, High-quality on-campus housing, Extensive career services and job placement assistance, Rich and diverse student life, Safe and secure campus environment, Resources available for students with disabilities, Effective at preparing students for careers | Strong reputation for rigorous academics, Expanded research opportunities, Diverse student body, High job placement rate, Iconic landmark promoting free speech, Many communities and groups students can join, On-campus placement opportunities with top recruiters (Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook) |
| Cons | Extremely selective acceptance rate, High tuition and fees | Surrounding areas might not be the safest, On-Campus Housing Quality and Availability: Not available |